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Liam's Pov
Eve's voice held a hint of amusement. "An interesting cultural landmark within this world. These intersections between fiction and reality shape your experience." I shook my head with a smirk and continued to the fifth floor, finally reaching my own door, 5A.
Inside, the apartment welcomed me with its quiet familiarity—the soft hum of the refrigerator from the open kitchen and the warm glow of the city lights filtering through the windows.
Sinking down into my favorite chair, I took a moment to let the exhaustion wash over me.
According to my memory, freelance work has been my lifeline and my proving ground. While classmates wasted time on trivial pursuits or drowned in debt, I had seized every opportunity to sharpen my skills.
From drafting contracts for a fledgling gaming company to advising a small restaurant on licensing issues, each case honed my instincts and broadened my network.
I balanced the chaos of law school with the grind of client deadlines, legal research, and negotiation prep.
Many nights, I worked past midnight, fielding frantic emails and last-minute calls. I learned to spot legal loopholes and risks before they became problems, to communicate complex ideas simply, and to build trust with clients who often had little experience with the law.
The money wasn't staggering per job, but the volume was relentless—and so was I.
That grind had given me more than income. It gave me confidence, connections, and a reputation that none know because who cares for the little guys.
I wasn't just surviving—I was thriving, and doing it on my own terms.
Eve's quiet presence beside me, always analyzing, always ready, was a reminder that this second chance wasn't just about survival. It was about living my best and I will.
Right now, it's time to take a break and enjoy the weekend. I let myself savor the moment—knowing the hard work will pay off, but it's time to relax and enjoy this moment.
I woke up around 6 a.m., the early light filtering through the curtains nudging me out of sleep. I stretched, feeling the familiar tightness in my legs and decided it was time for a run. Slipping into a pair of black joggers and worn-in running shoes, I headed out the door. The cool morning air was crisp, energizing as I hit the pavement, my breath steady and rhythm matched to the pounding of my feet.
When I returned, slightly sweaty but refreshed, I noticed three figures standing just outside the door to 4A in the hallway. Their attention snapped to me as I climbed the stairs. The fifth floor only had my apartment, 5A, and the rooftop terrace, so seeing anyone else there so early caught them off guard.
There they were—Penny, Sheldon, and Leonard.
From everything I remembered, Sheldon and Leonard were always together, usually deep in some odd conversation, scientific debate or super heroes whenever I passed by
"Morning, Sheldon. Morning, Leonard," I called out, nodding as I approached.
Sheldon gave a precise nod. "Good morning, Liam."
Leonard greeted me warmly as I stepped into the hallway. "Liam! It's been a while since we last saw you."
Sheldon, ever the precise one, added without missing a beat, "Exactly 372 days, 4 hours, and 15 minutes since our last encounter."
I smirked, keeping my cool. "That Long, huh?"
Leonard nodded. "So, when did you get back?"
"Early morning flight," I replied.
Sheldon turned to Leonard with a knowing look. "See, I told you I heard movement around 4:10 a.m."
I gave a quick apology, "Sorry for disturbing your sleep, Sheldon."
He waved it off with a dry tone, "Didn't mind. It's much quieter than Leonard's snoring."
Leonard, blushing and clearly embarrassed, quickly looked toward Penny. Trying to divert the awkwardness, he said with a slight edge, "Liam, this is Penny. Penny, Liam.
Penny, flustered and clearly distracted, glanced at me, her cheeks tinged pink. I caught the moment — the way she looked, Leonard expression showed he was worried something might happen between us.
Leonard cleared his throat, slightly grumpy now, "Liam, Penny's new to the building. Penny, Liam's been here since before Sheldon moved here."
I nodded to Penny. "Hey."
She gave a shy "Hey", then asked, "Why don't you stay here? This is the first time I'm seeing you around."
Before I could answer, Sheldon interjected, "He went to Harvard, then to New York last year to write the Bar exam, am I right?"
I smiled. "Right as always, Sheldon."
Sheldon's expression showed satisfaction at being correct.
Penny looked a bit fascinated. She couldn't hide the admiration in her eyes.
Sheldon asked, "It's about time for the bar results, right?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I passed. Starting Monday, I'll be working at the DA's office."
Sheldon's eyes lit up. "You'll be putting the bad guys away!"
"Something like that," I said coolly.
Penny's Pov
I couldn't stop myself from acting weird in front of him and it feels like an unexpected flutter of butterflies inside. He was handsome, smart, and successful. The kind of guy who made your heart skip a beat.
Liam's Pov
I glanced at my watch. "I've got some work to do, but..."
Penny cut me off with a bright smile. "Hey, are you up for breakfast? I'm treating — The Cheesecake Factory, 8.30 a.m."
I paused for a second, weighing the invite. It sounded like a decent way to start the day. "Alright, I'll be there at 8.30."
She nodded, pleased. But Leonard's expression shifted—panic flickering in his eyes.
"Maybe we should meet for dinner instead, at The Cheesecake Factory," Leonard suggested quickly.
Penny frowned but didn't argue — Leonard was her good friend after all.
Sheldon chimed in, voice sharp as always: "It's Saturday night. Pizza night."
Leonard opened his mouth to retort, but I cut him off smoothly. "I actually have plans for dinner tonight." I gave a small smile.
"How about lunch tomorrow instead? My treat." I asked Leonard
Leonard jumped in, relieved. "Sounds good"
"You can invite friends too" i said
Sheldon immediately perked up. "Raj and Howard?"
I nodded, and Leonard visibly relaxed. "Agreed. Lunch is more civilized anyway." Sheldon said
But, Penny, however, was determined. "No, you need to come for breakfast. Their menu is amazing."
Sheldon agreed with an approving nod. "Yes, breakfast is quite good there."
I smiled. "Alright, 8:30?"
I glanced at them all and said, "I've got some work to get to. I'll see you later, Penny."
She smiled warmly. "See you then."
With that, I turned and headed off to focus on my tasks, already looking forward to breakfast and whatever this day might bring.
I made my way upstairs to the apartment, the quiet hum of the building greeting me as I stepped inside. The door clicked shut behind me and I headed straight for the bathroom.
A quick, hot shower washed away the remnants of the morning run and the lingering fatigue from travel.
Once fresh, I slipped into something casual yet sharp—black jeans that were just right, paired with a fitted charcoal gray t-shirt that showed off my lean, athletic frame.
The outfit was simple yet good, effortless style that worked for a day of work or a casual meet-up.
Settling at my desk, I opened my laptop and began replying to the emails flooding my freelancing inbox. I typed out a polite, but clear message that I was accepting the DA's office job and could no longer take freelance work as a government employee.
I thanked each client for trusting me.
Knowing the value of connections, I attached referral links to a few trusted friends from my law school batch who could assist them in the future. "Better to leave them in good hands," I thought, clicking send.
Eve's voice chimed softly in my mind, "Message drafted, courteous and efficient. Your clients will appreciate the professionalism, Liam."
I smiled and then sent a quick, targeted text to someone named John — a contact I recalled clearly from my memories, someone I could trust and will become a big help for my upcoming job and there is also a specific reason to trust him.
Eve, with playful sarcasm, noted, "John has a 99.9% reliability rating. He will likely respond promptly unless he is hanging out with his wife or being mysterious. In which case, should I initiate a contingency plan?"
I rolled my eyes. "No contingency plan needed, Eve!" while locking the apartment door,
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Read 10 advanced chapters at:
patreon.com/Dreamwalker1